How Product Is and Is Not Like Directing a Musical

A fun tongue-in-cheek discussion on not losing the plot, dealing with prima donnas, putting on makeup, adjusting lighting, giving creative and logistical direction, hitting your marks and knowing your lines – all as a Product Manager. And learning how a creative process informs a product launch.

I have directed a few musicals in amateur theatre in London to a fairly high standard, and each time I have reflected on how my Product Management skills helped my direction, and vice versa. There are more similarities than differences, and perhaps knowing how to “launch a show” – a creative and logistical process with clear objectives and desired outcome – will help you launch a product more easily, or at least know that your problems are universal.

Delivering a product has logistical elements, but have you worked hard to create an atmosphere for creativity? Do you know all the skills your team has to help you get through the process? What do you do during “opening night”?